Journey to the Nest
[Weapon/Material: Plague Sword]
[A weapon forged from terrifyingly toxic gold; when this sword strikes an enemy, there is a very high probability that they will be infected with a virulent plague, completely reducing all their resistances; this plague cannot heal itself without treatment and can also infect other living beings through blood; it can also be used as a material to craft other items.]
[Equipment Requirements: Willpower must be 40 or higher to use this item properly.]
[A dangerous one-handed sword that brings endless plagues; highly valuable.]
Linsey, carrying the Sand Dune that had jumped off the insect's back, stepped into the Insect Nest.
Although it's not visible on the surface.
However, Linsey had planted a considerable number of Withered Overlord Flower underground in the canyon. Having recently completed the purification of the valley, her fruit reserves had also increased significantly.
Therefore, he had the opportunity to reclaim the Corruption Gold.
The [Plague Sword] is one of the materials used to create this [Seven-Colored Radiance Sword].
"Like [Annihilation Blade], it's suitable for applying a weakening buff to the enemy before battle. However, this contagious characteristic..."
"Unless we need to wipe out the enemy, we should try to avoid using this infectious method."
Linsey studied the equipment as he led Sand Dune into the lair.
Vivian, who was behind him, was familiar with the scene and felt nothing, but Sand Dune was even more terrified.
Compared to the canyons on the surface, the underground environment is more like a demon's lair!
Certain fluorescent substances flow within the fungal carpet, providing an eerie green illumination to the dim underground.
The hunter simply stepped on it.
I inexplicably felt something trying to seep into my body from within the flesh, but then stopped the process after I realized what it was.
[Luminous Creep]
Research costs: 300 food, 20 Mercury
Function: Increases the regeneration of creep and deals slow, continuous damage to enemy units standing on creep.
At this moment, Linsey, who was walking ahead of the hunter, spoke up:
"Sand Dune, your steps are unsteady and your breathing is rapid. Is it a chest injury?"
Vivian immediately reminded her:
"Uncle Sand Dune was hit in the chest by a large bird on his way back; he must have been seriously injured!"
Sand Dune quickly waved his hand and shook his head:
"It's alright, my Source Material Skill has just advanced, this injury is nothing serious!"
Linsey shook her head and smiled:
"Alright, we're all on the same side, come with me."
"It's a pity you're human and not an insectoid, otherwise just walking on this fungal carpet would have helped heal your injuries considerably."
Hearing these words, Sand Dune felt a little uneasy.
Walking through this demonic abyss, they occasionally spotted a few ferocious insectoid creatures moving by. Apart from the tunnel itself, there was no other space to move around; there was absolutely no sense of life here!
A vast Underground Labyrinth, inhabited by countless strange and monstrous insects?
This experience is truly chilling.
However, after seeing Linsey leading the way, Sand Dune ultimately chose to trust him.
A few minutes later, in front of a seemingly empty wall of flesh.
Linsey stopped in her tracks.
Swipe—
The fungal carpet in front of me suddenly opened, as if two trapdoors were sliding to the left and right, revealing a hidden space behind it.
[Creep Blockade]
Research expenses: 450 food
Function: The fungal mat can close freely, like a sphincter, to seal off the space within the base, opening only to units with access rights.
The hill peered inside curiously.
Under the green fluorescent light, a row of huge fleshy sacs, made of flesh and blood and shaped like meat sacs, were placed here.
He didn't see Linsey speak or make Essence movements.
The upper part of the meat chamber closest to them opened automatically, revealing a pale apricot-colored liquid inside.
[Enhanced Healing Pod]
Construction cost: 1000 food, 50 Mercury, 50 Sulfur
Function: Place injured units inside, and they will heal their injuries at an extremely fast speed.
Research Enhancement: Gene Enhancement
Effect: The organism can undergo a Constitution enhancement without side effects in the [Enhanced Healing Pod].
"..."
The Sand Dune dunes remained motionless.
Just then, he heard a sound behind him that made his heart race and his heart pound.
Linsey was pointing to the exposed entrance and said:
"Alright, Sand Dune, lie down here."
"..."
"Ah?"
Even with all his trust in Linsey, Sand Dune was still a little apprehensive.
For people from another world.
This Zerg-style Treatment Pod looks like an alien Devil Creature, making one feel terrified.
It's impossible to associate this with anything like treatment!
Linsey could only laugh and explain:
"Lying down in it will help heal your injuries and strengthen your Constitution."
"Don't worry, there are only benefits and no drawbacks!"
Vivian also chimed in from the side:
"Uncle Sand Dune, I also lay in there once, and my physical fitness has improved a lot! Now I have the strength of an adult!"
"..."
I was really hesitant to go up the Sand Dune.
The only good news was that the Wilderness Master's skills did not warn him of the dangers here.
After much deliberation, the hunter decided to trust Linsey and voluntarily lay down inside.
Swipe—
The fleshy walls closed in front of my eyes.
The Sand Dune lying inside soon felt the surrounding liquid begin to rise.
As he frantically tried to flail his arms, the liquid instantly engulfed his face, completely submerging him.
"..."
"I... can breathe?"
The Sand Dune looked surprised.
The liquid clearly covered his mouth and nose, yet he was still able to breathe.
Immediately, the hunter felt his body begin to heat up slightly, as if some substance in the liquid was seeping into his body.
With the help of the effects of this substance.
The broken ribs on the Sand Dune's chest seemed to have a sense of self, finding the right spot to reset themselves, and the broken area healed quickly.
After some time, Sand Dune's injuries were completely healed.
He felt the muscles all over his body begin to twitch slightly.
With the keen senses of an awakened being, he discovered that his physical abilities were indeed improving in tandem!
The comfortable feeling even made him want to fall asleep on his own!
"My Lord."
"What incredible thing have you come up with this time?"
The Sand Dune lay in the enhancement fluid, sighing with emotion.
In the Wasteland, a world that values strength, both ordinary people and awakened beings are willing to go crazy for this thing!
A few minutes later.
The fluid level in the Treatment Pod decreased.
As soon as the Sand Dune felt its mouth and nose come into contact with the air, the fleshy hatch in front of it opened automatically.
He looked up.
Under the glow of green fluorescent light, Linsey stood outside, grinning as she looked at herself.
"Sand Dune, how are you feeling now?"
"..."
"I feel great!"
Having received tangible benefits, Sand Dune was no longer filled with worry or fear.
He clenched his fist, which had become even stronger, and the thoughts from his long journey transformed into an even more unwavering loyalty in that moment:
"Lord Linsey, are there any other similar places around here?"
"I want to try again!"